FOUR aging cottages will be transformed into 18 social housing units at Bellambi.

The new two-storey development quadruples the social housing originally on the site, with eight one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units available, including 16 car and two motorbike parking spaces at a cost of $9.74 million.

The new complex is just a moments’ walk to local shops, cafes, health services and transport connections including Bellambi station.

Around 44 jobs were created during construction of the building, which sits on the land of the Dharawal people. The site includes extensive landscaping and mature tree planting throughout.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, and Member for Keira Ryan Park said he attended some of the community engagement sessions in Bellambi, and he is heartened to see how closely Homes NSW has been collaborating with residents.

“I’m excited for the future of this neighbourhood,” he said.

 “There is a clear and urgent need for more and better social housing in Wollongong, particularly for people living with disability and the elderly.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the community have been calling for more homes that work for them – that is what the Government is delivering.

“These new, modern social homes are fit-for-purpose and built to meet the needs of residents,” she said.

“This area desperately needs more accessible one and two-bedroom homes that are safe and comfortable to ensure older tenants are able to age in place with dignity.

“This renewal isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about building a community. We’re increasing the supply of social and affordable homes, but also delivering the infrastructure and support that locals in the Illawarra rely on.”

The project is part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW package.

Meanwhile, a People and Place Plan is currently being developed by Homes NSW to help guide future renewal of the wider Bellambi estate, which is set to be shared with the community in mid-2025.

Homes NSW has identified Bellambi as a key site for renewal due to the age of the housing in the region and the changing needs of the community who live in the area.

The planned renewal is still in the early planning stage and the NSW Government said no social housing residents living in the Bellambi Estate are currently being asked to move. Additionally, there are no changes to current tenancy arrangements.

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